It’s Children’s Mental Health Week and we are discussing ways that you can create a positive classroom culture that encourages children to talk about their mental health. This year’s theme for Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week is ‘Let’s Connect’. 1 in 6 children aged between 5 to 16 are thought to have a mental health problem, which has increased by 50% in the past 3 years. 

How do I change this in my classroom?

We have compiled a list of practical ways that you can create a classroom whereby it is normalised to talk about our mental health and wellbeing. There is a strong argument that suggests that by promoting and sharing positive mental health practice within classrooms from a young age then this can work to reduce mental health problems into adolescence and adulthood. By creating this culture, you are encouraging the children in your learning environment to build connections with themselves and those around them. 

As a former Teacher myself, I understand that teachers need practical and simple to implement strategies that do not take up too much time or resources – don’t worry, I have got your back!

1. Introduce an Emotion’s Check-In:

Do you have an emotion’s check-in in your classroom? This might be name pebbles that the children can place on different emotions or a velcro-chart whereby they can move their name peg according to how they are feeling. We encourage you to consider ways of making this task confidential. 

For example, you could introduce envelopes labelled with various emotions and the children pop their name in an envelop so how they are feeling is not on display to the entire class. This can encourage participation and honesty, whilst also allowing you as the Class Teacher the opportunity to check in with those who have placed their name in the likes of worried, angry or sad.

Our Scribbles Crew are perfect for helping you to introduce an emotion check-in to your classroom. They are friendly, accessible, and easily re-created by any child!